Square tube traction bar install issues, any experts?
 

While installing my “grumpy bars” on my 69 camaro, with 12 bolt and multileaf, I ran into an issue. I installed the large wedges (4 degree early wide style) without the lower insulator.

Once I got everything bolted up, I noticed there was a severe front to back “rock” on the differential despite all the bolts being tightened (see red circles in picture). It appeared as if the wedge created a gap 1/4” between the front spring perch insulator and spring (see green arrow on picture).

My question is, do I install the lower insulator with the wedge? If not, how to I remedy this front and back motion?

My assumption is that the lower insulator must be installed, I just couldn’t see how the assembly would stay “located” with the alignment pin from the lower portion of the leaf through the insulator, wedge, and down into the traction bar hole.

I decided to bolt it together, without the wedges, utilizing the lower spring insulator and it worked great. Unfortunately, this manner of installation isn’t possible because the bars hang far too low to the ground (see picture) and have a tremendous amount of gap between the snubber and the leaf. My understanding is that 1/2” gap is the max you should run.

I am also looking for any input as to correct “adjustment” of these bars for best performance.

Thanks in advance for any input!

I can sure use a pair of the same kinda wedges you're inquiring about adjustment.

Gonzo, in the past when using shims I've always installed them on top, between the perch and spring. This makes a much tighter fit. Copy and paste the link below for your reading pleasure...

https://www.jegs.com/InstallationIns.../620-21150.pdf

When I have installed mine, working from the traction up.

This is just my .02

traction bar
Aluminum wedge
Lower pad with the nub
leaf spring
upper pad with the notch.

Then I impact them evenly.

With a 4 degree wedge I wouldn't think it would still be that low in front